Linda Kate Passaniti faces life in prison in connection with the death of her 73-year-old stepfather. Authorities say she conspired with others in a murder-for-hire to have Ernest Luttrell killed.

Written by

Loresha Wilson
ljwilson@gannett.com

When Ernest Luttrell sold the mineral rights to his south Caddo property in 2008, his stepdaughter allegedly was outraged that he didn't consult her prior to finalizing the papers.

That started the wheels to spinning as to how Linda Kate Passaniti could get her hands on Luttrell's $400,000, according to Caddo Assistant District Attorney Dale Cox. After a forged power of attorney for his healthcare and a failed attempt to get the 73-year-old committed to a nursing home, he was killed.

Now Passaniti, 57, in on trial for one count of second-degree, conspiring to commit second-degree murder and ...